The Artist's Reality: Philosophies of Art

Mark Rothko's work is a fascinating exploration of his intentions, ideas, and purpose.

His art is deeply rooted in art history, specifically within the context of Abstract Expressionism.

Rothko's philosophical inquiries also play a significant role in his creative process.

Essays on these aspects provide valuable insights into the mind of this remarkable artist.

For all artists, understanding Rothko's work is a "must read."

It offers a wealth of inspiration and a deeper understanding of the possibilities within the realm of art.

By delving into his intentions, ideas, and purpose, we can gain a greater appreciation for the power and beauty of his art.

Rothko's work continues to resonate with audiences today, making it an essential study for anyone interested in the world of art.

Let me first state that I have a profound love for Rothko's work and I am also a dedicated fan of the play Red, which delves into the life and art of Rothko. It is important to add that the written works presented in this book were never refined and finalized by Rothko himself. The manuscript was unearthed only after his passing.

Consequently, anyone perusing this book should bear this in mind before establishing their expectations.

Although this book is engaging and offers some incisive insights, I had the distinct impression that I gained a deeper understanding of Rothko through his artistic compositions. Perhaps this is because visual art is his true métier, and he is far more proficient in the language of light, shapes, and colors than in the written word. There are certain gaps and rough edges that render the book somewhat incomplete. Nevertheless, the volume still functions as an introduction to the artist's philosophy and his perspective on the state of the art world during his lifetime.

This book will predominantly appeal to Rothko's enthusiasts and admirers, and there are a few nuggets of wisdom for art students as well. Having said that, there are some truly wonderful quotes about art and artists that I thoroughly relished.

One spoonful at a time, he carefully adds colors to his canvas.

His paintings are like magical worlds, inviting viewers to go swimming in them.

The strokes are smooth and flowing, as if they are dancing to an unheard melody.

Each color is chosen with precision, creating a harmonious blend that catches the eye and holds the attention.

As you look at his paintings, you can almost feel the gentle breeze, smell the fresh air, and hear the soft whispers of nature.

He has a unique talent for bringing life and vitality to his art, making it come alive in a way that few others can.

Whether it's a landscape, a portrait, or an abstract piece, his paintings always tell a story and evoke emotions.

One spoonful at a time, he is creating masterpieces that will be cherished for years to come.

This is a truly fascinating read that offers a great deal of insight into Rothko, particularly with respect to his earlier works.

It is believed that the book was written during this period, which makes it all the more interesting.

Even in its unfinished state, the writing is remarkably good, clearly outlining a number of the artist's key beliefs.

Reading this book is a pleasure, as it allows the reader to gain a deeper understanding of Rothko's artistic vision and the ideas that influenced his work.

Whether you are an art lover or simply interested in learning more about this iconic artist, this book is well worth your time.

It provides a unique perspective on Rothko's earlier works and is sure to leave you with a greater appreciation for his art.

Overall, it is a highly recommended read for anyone interested in the world of art.

Today, several things interrupted the last quarter of this book. First, Jon was animatedly singing "Mr. Roboto" right in my face. Then, Kid #1 wanted food. After that, Jon made weird noises just to bug me. Meanwhile, Kid #2 was playing games on the computer next to me with the noise level at maximum, and I could hear "You got it right! You're a math STAR!" Then, Jon wanted food again. Next, Kid #3 showed me his "sssoooooper coooool firefire truck". After that, Jon showed me pictures of Eh! and Tambo and Meredith. Then, there were dog farts. And finally, Kids #1, 2 & 3 all wanted food again.

Why is it that when you reach the end of something brilliant, everything seems to try and prevent you from getting there? The book's introduction is beautifully written and evokes a sense of melancholy from a son who lost his father at a young age. It felt as if this manuscript was a means for him to get to know his father better or at least connect with him in a way he couldn't as a child. However, like many things, I might be reading too much into it.

The manuscript itself tended to jump from one thought to the next without a smooth flow. Nevertheless, within that random train of thought was brilliance. He's an artist, not a writer, but was still able to philosophize about the whys and hows of art as he sees it. You can see his polemic views on what he struggled with as an artist. He questions beauty. What is beauty? Is it the emotional reminder of our own humanity that moves us to find something beautiful? Is it simply something that brings us pleasure? Is it happiness? Is it familiarity? For these questions, I may have to turn to Eco. For now, this book was great, even though I was interrupted multiple times at the best parts.

A study of the history of art is truly the demonstration of the continuity of this plastic process. It shows the inevitable logic of each step as art progresses from one point to another. The practice of art on a large scale, which means the combined production of all artists, is the same as the evolution of these laws. Each artist's work represents a different aspect of each stage and acts as an addition that follows the previous stage. Only in terms of these plastic laws does art maintain a continuous, logical, and understandable picture.

We can see that the artist has a dual function. Firstly, they further the integrity of the process of self-expression in the language of art. Secondly, they protect the organic continuity of art in relation to its own laws. Just like any organic substance, art must always be in a state of flux, with the tempo being either slow or fast.

But it must move forward. Art cannot remain stagnant. It is constantly evolving and changing, influenced by various factors such as culture, society, and technology. The study of art history helps us to understand this evolution and to appreciate the different forms and styles that art has taken over the years.

The function of great art is to produce generalizations, whether they stem from the specific aspects of our environment or from a completely imaginary source.

I have always been captivated by Mark Rothko’s color field paintings. The size, color choices, and their saturation evoke an immediate affective response in me. I’m not certain if these paintings mirror mental or emotional states, but after reading Rothko’s essays on his philosophical approach to art, I’m inclined to believe that the color field paintings were studies in the ideal.

It is evident from the early essays that Rothko is a Platonist. For him, painting is a means of inquiry, perception, and expressing truth. Each instantiation on the canvas is an attempt to capture the ideal, which evolves and expands with each expression, encompassing the attempt while remaining beyond any individual effort to capture it. Sometimes the ideal being pursued could be a color field or something as simple as the way a garment folds or two lines meet at a juncture. Art pursues this ideal across various forms of expression.

There are several central ideas in Rothko’s philosophy that are interesting. Movement is one of them. Good art is in a state of flux, whether the tempo is slow or fast. Artists should not stop and dwell on a particular form of expression but continuously develop, push, inquire, and try to uncover more about the ideal. The artist chases what is true and beautiful. When we perceive something as beautiful, we are reacting to its “rightness” or truth. Artists participate in the abstraction through the iteration of truths and the modification of techniques, which not only show artistic movement toward truth but also invite the viewer to participate and move.

I like the concept of finding movement in art. I envision each true piece of art as being at the end of a delicate, branching tree, with each branch pursuing an ideal along a different uncharted path. Those who stop and dwell are merely reproducing and not moving forward. I also like the idea that viewing art involves seeing the movement and following it.

Plasticity is another important aspect. To Rothko, plasticity is the technique and achievement of movement in art. It can be a function of malleable media or the impression of different kinds of movement. The movement can be tactile, pictorial, or achieved through words, but the crucial point is that the depiction is a movement toward an ideal. The image that comes to mind is ergonomic design, where the plasticity of the design allows one to see how it can be used. Plasticity can also be in the adaptability of a material or object toward an end or truth.

Myth is a spirit or orientation one has to their place and time. It motivates inquiry and truth-seeking, whether from fear, desire, love, repulsion, or something else. It is a sense of being in the world that is specific to a time and motivates movement and compels one to see plasticity in the available media for pursuing truth. The theory gets a bit hazy when it comes to myth, but Rothko sees its expression in schools of painting that reflect a desire to seek an ideal or understand a condition. It makes me wonder what kind of myth we currently inhabit and what kind of art and movement it produces. Maybe a myth reflecting networked isolation or directionlessness?

I have a great interest in reading anything related to Rothko. He is truly an interesting figure. I wish I could care more deeply about his works and life, as that would surely enhance my understanding. However, this particular piece didn't cover the Rothko Chapel as comprehensively as I had hoped. The Rothko Chapel is an extraordinary place. It is, without a doubt, the most beautiful thing I have ever witnessed, and I have seen many adorable puppies in my life. The chapel's unique atmosphere and the powerful presence of Rothko's artworks make it a truly special and unforgettable destination.